Protecting Your Lungs from Radon

As a valued part of your benefits, we’re committed to providing you with information that can help protect your health and well-being. Today, we want to talk about an unseen, odorless, and tasteless threat that could be present in your home: radon gas.

You might not have heard much about radon, but it’s a significant health concern that impacts thousands of lives each year. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking. For non-smokers, it’s the #1 cause.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium and thorium in the soil, rocks, and water beneath us. It can seep up through cracks in foundations, floors, and walls, and become trapped inside buildings, where it can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Because you can’t see, smell, or taste radon, you won’t know if it’s present unless you test for it.

Why Should You Care About Radon?

Radon can be present in any building, including your home. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases your risk of developing lung cancer. This is especially true for those who smoke, as the combined exposure to radon and cigarette smoke dramatically multiplies the risk.

How Common is Radon?

You might think radon is only a problem in certain areas, but the truth is, elevated radon levels have been found in every state in the U.S. It can affect any home, regardless of its age, design, or location – whether it’s old or new, well-sealed or drafty, with or without a basement.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States has a radon level that should be reduced. While some states and regions tend to have higher average levels due to their geology, a neighbor having low radon levels is no guarantee that your home is the same. Radon can vary significantly from house to house, even right next door!

How Can Radon Affect You?

When radon gas decays, it releases tiny radioactive particles. When we breathe these particles in, they can get trapped in our lungs. Over time, these particles can damage the DNA in our lung tissue, leading to the development of lung cancer. It often takes many years for symptoms to appear, by which point the cancer may be advanced and harder to treat.

What Can You Do? Test Your Home and Take Action!

The good news is that radon is a preventable health hazard. Here’s what you and your family can do:

1. Test Your Home: This is the most crucial step. Radon levels can vary significantly from one house to another, even in the same neighborhood. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are inexpensive and easy to use. They are available at hardware stores, online, or sometimes through your state or local health department.

It’s recommended to test your home every two years, and especially if you’re buying a new home or making significant renovations.

2. Understand the Levels: Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
   • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon if levels are 4.0 pCi/L or greater.
   • They also recommend considering action if levels are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. The goal is always to get the radon level as low as possible.
3. Taking Action to Reduce Radon: If your home tests high for radon, don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are proven to effectively reduce radon levels. These systems typically involve installing a fan and piping to draw radon from beneath your home and vent it safely outdoors.
   • Contact your state radon program for a list of certified mitigation professionals.

4. Spread the Word: Share this important information with your family and friends. Awareness is the first step toward protection!

Radon is an invisible threat, but we are not powerless against it. By taking proactive steps to test your home, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious health risk.